BP chief speaks on evacutions

Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 11:56 a.m.

Action 4 News was the first to announce that Border Patrol agents intend to continue citizenship screenings during a hurricane evacuation.

The Border Patrol has received a lot of criticism and support on the issue.

On Wednesday, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector Chief Ronald D. Vitielo wrote an open letter to area residents about hurricane evacuations.

Vitiello wrote that media coverage regarding a recent hurricane exercise has, "...given rise to misinformation and misunderstandings that must be corrected."

The alleged "misinformation" or "misunderstandings" were not identified in the letter.

But Vitiello assured that, "No enforcement role will be undertaken that will in any way impede the safe and orderly evaction of any member of the south Texas population."

Vitiello did not say whether or not that meant Border Patrol would suspend citizenship inspections during a hurricane evacuation as requested by local leaders.

But he did say that the agency would not abandon their posts in a hurricane and that criminal organizations would use a disaster as and opportunity.

"...We will not leave the border undefended in a time of crisis," he wrote.

Read an entire copy of Vitiello's letter at:

To the residents of the Rio Grande Valley,
On May 13, 2008, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector participated in the Texas
Statewide Hurricane Exercise with our state and local partners. This exercise was
designed to identify the practicality of written plans.
Recent media coverage regarding this exercise, hurricane evacuation plans and
enforcement posture by the Border Patrol has given rise to misinformation and
misunderstandings that must be corrected.
Since 1924 the United States Border Patrol has been a partner and a neighbor in the Rio
Grande Valley. Our agents and staff attend area schools and churches, patronize local
businesses, and maintain homes in Valley neighborhoods. As members of the community
we are equally affected by the threat of natural or man made disasters.
Simply put: the Border Patrol will continue to be a full partner with the state of Texas and
its communities in any emergent or evacuation situation. Our primary role in such events
will be the safeguarding of life. No enforcement role will be undertaken that will in any
way impede the safe and orderly evacuation of any member of the south Texas
population.
We are a law enforcement agency and will not abandon our law enforcement mission.
We know that criminal organizations view the disruption of a natural disaster as a
potential opportunity to move illicit traffic across our borders, and it is important that
they and you know that we will not leave the border undefended in time of crisis. But
assisting other federal, state and local agencies to ensure the safety of those requiring
evacuation is paramount.
We are committed to the Rio Grande Valley and the State of Texas as proud friends,
neighbors and as partners pursuing the goal of protecting our community and securing
our nations borders.
Ronald D. Vitiello
Chief Patrol Agent, Rio Grande Valley Sector, US Border Patrol
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
http://www.kgbt4.com/files/vitiello.pdf

http://www.team4news.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=137109